Come Out and Play | February 2018

Pitch and toss or pitching pennies is a relatively simple but ancient game. The oldest known version of the game was played by the ancient Greeks, who used bronze coins.

Over the years, the game spread. Through the ages, people used different kinds of coins, but the main points of the game remain the same. In the 1960s, the game saw a sharp decline in popularity. This could be due to new forms of entertainment or the introduction of a smaller, lighter penny that was not wellsuited for pitching. Whatever the reason, pitching pennies is still a fun and simple way to pass the time with friends.

There are three things necessary to start a game: a wall, players and coins.

Players can use any coins, but all coins should be the same denomination.

Every player should have at least one coin.

Players should mark a specific spot some distance from the wall; this will be where players stand to toss the coins.

Common distances are four or six feet.

The further away from the wall the player stands, the more difficult the game is.

Players then take turns tossing the coins at the wall.

All throws must be underhand, and coins must touch the wall to count as a valid throw.

The player whose coin lands closest to the wall wins the round.

The winner then collects all the coins on the ground.

Another version of the game starts the same. The first player throws a penny against the wall. The second player must then hit the first player’s penny to win.

Players take turns throwing the first coin.

A third version requires players to draw a box on the ground away from the wall. To win, players must then have their penny land in this box after hitting the wall.

The smaller the box, the more difficult the game is.

Because there are so many versions of the game, it is important that all players agree on the rules before the game starts.